Big. Bold. Brash. And I’m not just talking about the scenery. I’m talking about the beer! People in the state of Alaska never do anything by half measure. With recipes and ingredients dating back to the Gold Rush, Alaskan brews boast character as big as the State. And that’s right up The Thirsty Traveler’s alley!
Take the famous Alaskan Growler, for example. It doesn’t bite — at least if you don’t drink too much of it. And it’s not named after a bear either. Back in the late 1800s, people used to carry fresh beer from the local pub to their homes…in a pail. Rumour has it that when the beer sloshed around the pail, it created a rumbling sound as the carbon dioxide escaped through the lid. And so, the Growler was born!
Growlers are still commonplace in Alaska today. Up in Alaska’s version of the Big A — that’s Anchorage — most growlers are filled with fresh micro-brews produced by one of the city’s many local pubs. Half the population of the state lives in Anchorage and they love their home-grown beer.
As you might expect, a lot of Alaskans are larger than life figures, and their beer is a direct reflection of that personality. Folks here like a good strong beer, not the weak stuff from the Lower 48. Alaskans age beer in the keg because at 6-9% alcohol, they’re quite high in octane. These beers need time to mature and for the flavours to meld together.
In addition to a good alcoholic kick, Alaskans aren’t afraid of beer with character. Just like some of the pubs, Alaskan Smoked Porter is filled with character of a very unique sort. See, in the early days of Alaskan beer-making — just like in other parts of the world — people used to dry the malt over open fires made with wood or straw. There was lots of smoke. But new technology allowed for drying away from smoking fires and tastes changed; people didn’t want a smoked flavour anymore. Not here, though. Alaskan Smoked Porter is made with barley mash that has been steeped in the thick smoke from smoldering alderwood. And the result is a delicious, smokey, full-bodied, award-winning porter.
Alaska is famous for its steam beer and ales as well. These varieties make the perfect addition to a boiling pot of fresh crab. Just toss in some spices and a bottle or two of pale and you’ll soon be salivating uncontrollably. But make sure you use a pale ale: any other beer will overpower the crab’s delicate flavour. For fish with a stronger flavour, like cod, use a marinade that incorporates a stronger-flavoured beer, like smoked porter.
A peaceful cruise along Prince William Sound is akin to heaven on earth. Needless to say, if you love fishing or just plain love fish, this is the place to be. But if you fish in Alaska, chances are you’ll be taking an occasional nip from the Growler perched between your feet. And as the contents of your Growler get smaller, your fish stories are bound to get bigger. That’s ok, though. After all, the biggest state in the Union has plenty of room.
Raise your Growler or at lest your glass to Alaska, and its mighty beers. Cheers!
